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Cannabis 101

When considering cannabis as medicine it is important to remember that each person has a unique physiological make up, and each plant, strain and form of cannabis will affect each person differently. It takes a few tries sampling and evaluating several medicines before finding the right fit.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are the active ingredients in cannabis that contain the medicinal properties that effect us. Cannabinoids are found in the trichomes (resin glands) of the plant. Researchers have identified over 70 unique cannabinoids. THC and CBD are the most prominent.

THC - TetrahydrocannabinolTHC is responsible for the psychoactive effect (high). It amplifies sensory functions such as hearing, color, sight and generates a greater sense of well being. It produces feelings of euphoria and sharpens the mind. It is pain relieving, energetic and stimulates creativity
.Known benefits:

Anxiolytic - reduces symptoms of anxiety

Neuroprotective - protects against nerve damage

Antispasmodic - relieves spasms & convulsions

Antiemetic - reduces nausea & vomiting

Analgesic - reduces pain

Appetite stimulant - stimulates appetite

Antioxidant - fights free radicals in the bloodstream

Neuropathic analgesic - reduces pain from nerve damage

Bronchio-dialator - assists asthmatics with breathing

Anti-proliferative anticancer - reduces spread of certain cancers

Anti-inflammatory - reduces inflammation

Neurogenesis - promotes growth of new nerve tissue

CBD - CannabidiolCBD has an opposite effect of THC. It reduces the psychoactive effect of THC. It is effective in relieving anxiety and stress. It promotes strong muscle relaxation and reduces muscle spasms.

Intestinal anti-prokinetic - reduces contractions in the small intestine

Anti-inflammatory - reduces inflammation

Antiproliferative anticancer - reduces spread of certain cancers

Immunosuppressant - reduces breakdown of the immune system

Flowers

Flowers are the most traditional form of cannabis medicine. The flowers produce the highest concentrate of cannabinoids on the cannabis plant.

Cannabis SativaSativa strains are often characterized by their energetic and uplifting medicinal effect. They are known for their mostly cerebral effect, with a crisp clear feeling in the head. Sativas give a feeling of optimism and well-being; they are known to heighten the senses and enable creativity. Sativas are often the preferred medicine for daytime.

Cannabis IndicaIndica strains are often characterized by their heavy effect on the body. They are great for relaxation, stress relief and for creating an overall sense of calm and serenity. These strains are also very effective for relieving body pain and are commonly used in the treatment of insomnia. Indica strains are often the preferred medicine during the evening.

HybridHybrids are strains that contain both indica and sativa. They lean towards the dominant side (sativa or indica), but retain some of the medicinal qualities of both. With the many combinations and complex genetics of hybrids, it is impossible to generalize about the qualities of hybrids' characteristics.

Concentrates

Concentrates are the most concentrated form of cannabis - hence the title "concentrates". They capture the most trichomes while leaving out the unnecessary plant material.

Kif/Keif/Kief
Trichome heads (where cannabinods are found) are broken loose using a series of dry sieves. Keifing generally produces a lower potency than other concentrate methods, but tends to maintain more flavor of the material being used.

Bubble HashThe term ‘bubble hash’ refers to the product of an ice-water extraction method. Material is beat with cold water and ice to freeze the trichome heads until they snap of from the friction and pass through a series of mesh bags. The wet hash is then scooped out of the bags, dried and cured.

Honey Oil (Hash Oil)A chemical extraction process, this method involves a solvent passing through plant material, collecting the oils in their liquid form. The solvent is then boiled off. Most producers will add an extra purging method to remove any leftover solvent, oftentimes involving a vacuuming process or a freeze/thaw cycle. May include an additional 24 hours of processing to remove not only the rest of the solvent, but also the fats, waxes and lipids which have no medicinal value.

Tinctures

Cannabis infused tinctures are a viable option for many ailments. Start with 1-2 droppers full and evaluate the effects. Increase dose as needed.

Glycerin TincturesGlycerin based tinctures offer a sweeter taste than the alternative alcohol base. Add glycerin tinctures to smoothies or juice for a tasty edible, or take directly, swishing under the tongue for a faster effect.

Alcohol TincturesAlcohol based tinctures take effect slightly faster than glycerin based tinctures. Add a dropper full or two to any drink or take directly, swishing under the tongue for a faster effect.

Edibles

Edibles are a great way to ingest your medicine. They are discreet, long lasting and delicious. The onset can take 1-2 hours, but the effects last up to 8 hours.

ButterAdd cannabis infused butter to any favorite recipe that calls for butter for a scrumptiously discreet medication.

OilAll varieties of oils can be infused with cannabis; however, we recommend coconut, grapeseed or hemp oils. These oils also make great topicals.

Edible tipsBecause the effect of edibles can sometimes take up to 1-2 hours to come on, many people mistakenly over-medicate. When trying a new edible, take the smallest dose possible and wait an hour or two to evaluate your response. Increase the dose as needed.

Over-medicating with ediblesThere is no immediate risk from over-medicating with cannabis. If you suspect you are over-medicated, find a comfortable, safe place to rest/sleep until the effects have passed. Sometimes eating a meal can help alleviate symptoms, which range from groggy to anxious.

Topicals

Cannabis infused topicals are absorbed through the skin providing on-the-spot relief without the euphoric effect commonly felt with ingestion/inhalation.

SalveThis super medicated topical penetrates the skin for on-the-spot pain relief. It is one of the most beneficial topicals. Among other ailments, it is great for muscles pains, headaches and joint pain.

Seeds

Starting a garden from seeds produces the strongest, healthiest plants. No two seeds are exactly alike. Even seeds from the same mother plant vary, much like children do. Seedlings must be "sexed" (check if male or female) at a standard of 2-3 weeks growth. Only the female plants will produce flowers.

Clones

Clones are rooted cuttings taken from a female plant. Each clone contains the exact same genetics as the female plant in was taken off.